Traslacion

PhotographerRowel Razal

PrizeBronze in Event / Traditions and Cultures

Entry Description

Every January 9, the Traslación of the Black Nazarene makes its way
along the streets of the Quiapo district, the image is borne in
procession on its carriage called the Ándas. Marshals known as the
Hijos del Nazareno are the only people allowed to ride with it in the
Ándas for the duration of the procession. The Hijos are to protect the
image from possible damage as well as direct the namámasán
(bearers) at the front and the crowd behind through hand gestures,
voice commands (either directly or through a megaphone, especially at
the front of the image) and whistle signals.
Devotees clamber up the Ándas that they might briefly touch the image
or its cross, and wipe towels and handkerchiefs tossed at them on
parts of the image in the belief that a miraculous object's powers
(specifically its curative abilities) "rub off" on cloth articles.